Women want quota to end ‘glass ceiling’ in business

Most women believe a ‘glass ceiling’ still exists in business, holding back their chances of being promoted, a new study shows.

Half of female managers are in favour of using quotas to ensure selection is fair, the Institute of Leadership & Management has found.

But only one in four men thinks that’s a good idea.

Three out of four women questioned by the ILM said a glass ceiling was still a barrier to top jobs – less than four in ten men agree.

The survey of almost 3,000 male and female managers found that one in three women said their gender had hindered their career profession, rising to almost half among over 45-year-olds. Men were more confident than women and were more likely to expect to become managers when they started their career, the report said.

‘The research reveals a real split in opinion on how best to deal with the glacial progress the UK is making towards gender equality,’ said Penny de Valk, ILM chief executive.

‘Quotas may be seen as the quickest solution and some countries have introduced them with some success.

‘However, they do not drive a commitment to the more fundamental changes that are required. The imposition of boardroom quotas here would be an admission of failure for leaders.’